Edwin Encarnacion hit two three-run homers Friday night, and the Toronto Blue Jays pulled off the second-biggest comeback in franchise history, rallying from an early eight-run deficit for a 14-9 victory over the Reds in Cincinnati.

Toronto hit four HRs during its comeback, including the two by the MLB home run leader. Encarnacion started the comeback by connecting in the third inning off Mat Latos and finished it with his 23rd homer off Sam LeCure during a five-run ninth inning.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Mark Melancon would close games in place of former Seton Hall star Jason Grilli, who has blown four save opportunities this year after converting 33 of 35 chances last season.

"There's no safety net for a closer. There never is," Hurdle said. "So he won't have to deal with that for a while, which I think will help."

Grilli, 37, is 0-2 with 11 saves and a 4.34 ERA in 20 games this year. For now, Hurdle said he will use Grilli when the Pirates are trailing.

Melancon is 1-2 with 10 saves in 13 chances and a 1.89 ERA in 35 games this year.

HOMETOWN SCORING? MLB executive Joe Torre disagreed with Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who suggested that scoring decisions should tilt toward the home team. "Official scorers should never give any benefit of the doubt to the home team," Torre said.

MANNY ON RIGHT ROAD: Cubs executive Theo Epstein said he's pleased with Manny Ramirez's impact on the organization in extended spring training in Arizona and he could join Class AAA Iowa as a player-coach next week.

BRIEFS: Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey (groin) was pushed back in the rotation and will start Sunday against the Reds. … The Diamondbacks designated former closer J.J. Putz for assignment. … The Braves placed starter Gavin Floyd (elbow) on the 15-day DL and moved Alex Wood into the rotation.